During its seven-season run, Parks and Recreation did something very few shows manage to: it kept getting better. It helped that the NBC comedy had everything going for it: an enormously talented cast with insane chemistry, hilariously dry humor that everyone enjoyed, and the ability to combine the mundane day-to-day of small-town bureaucracy with wacky personalities that resonated with viewers. Even if those qualities didn't get rightfully recognized during its run . . . ahem.
Though the show ended in 2015, fans of the series know you never let go of a good thing, especially when it's a gang as fantastic as the folks of the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee. And that's why we're extra thrilled about the upcoming Parks and Recreation reunion episode, which will air on April 30 to raise money for Feeding America's COVID-19 Response Fund.
Ahead of the special episode, and in tribute to an amazing show that we're all better for having watched, check out some of the classic moments that made Parks and Recreation so outstanding.
And pro-tip: for a prime viewing experience, play this number on repeat. You're welcome.
Everything about this scene is perfection. It pretty much sums up the beauty of Parks and Rec.
Who could resist any moment when Ben shows how much of a dork he really is?
One word: ICONIC.
Jean-Ralphio Saperstein is somehow the worst person you've ever met, yet the absolute best. I definitely wouldn't want to own a business with him, but can't help loving the disaster of a human he is.
The Saperstein siblings might be the most terrible, notlethal, siblings to grace television, and we adored them. Here's our intro to the younger of the twins, Mona Lisa.
This is such a classic Ron moment, it will go down in history. Don't we all wish we could swivel away from annoying people?
There's something hilarious about watching these grown men falling over themselves after eating some bad calzones. The usually unflappable Ron can't even use the phone, while Chris and Ben are their usual hot messes. It's a classic!
If you can't relate to Tom in this episode even a little, you're in denial.
Now we want big ol' cookies.
And now I'm sobbing.
This is such a beautiful moment between these two women. Leslie has always been a mentor figure to April, but this is one of the moments where we see how deep their bond really is.
This is SUCH a sweet moment because April is clearly just doing this to make Ann feel better. But also, those harmonies though!
What else is there to say but, 'Oh Jerry.'
RIP to this little legend!